December 11: Isaiah 53:1 / John 12:37-38 (Romans 10:16)

“Does anything I say or do matter to anyone?”  We all have moments when that question rises up within us.  Such was the plight of the prophets called to redirect people’s lives and the prophet Isaiah was not immune to wondering if his words and actions mattered (Isaiah 53:1-2).  Yet, the Jewish context is crucial to understanding the prophet’s question.  Whether people heard God’s message or not; whether people responded to God’s message in words and actions or not, God was always actively moving about and within the people.  It was understood that even God can use our doubts and disbeliefs to build his kingdom.

Today we, too, prophesy with our words and actions that lead others to new understandings of God’s love and grace.  Granted, there are always challenges and roadblocks that confront us on this highway of life we travel.  And, amid everything, God is working – God’s wisdom and power is on display in the use of gentle, uplifting words and in the actions undertaken to help meet the needs of our neighbors through the offering of food, transportation, donations and/or presence.

Prayer:
Holy God, Thank you for your steadfast presence in my life made possible by the work of prophets throughout the ages and Jesus Christ.  May my Advent preparation lead to a deeper and broader understanding of my role as prophet.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

 

Rev. Mary Lou Plummer

Hainesville Lutheran Church



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